Site Lead, Lab Operations

Mariana Oncology•Watertown, MA

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Site Lead, Lab Operations to join Mariana’s Operations team within the G&A organization. This role is accountable for the overall Lab Operations strategy and execution, and Operational Compliance across Mariana sites. The position is responsible for operational oversight at the 100 Forge Rd site and an expansion site currently anticipated. The Site Lead will manage a team of Lab Operations Manager(s), establish continuity of operations between sites, and drive alignment with Novartis sites where appropriate. This role is also responsible for the development and maintenance of the Lab Operations budget, leading the lab vendor program strategy in consultation with Lab Managers and Research team members, and ensuring a smooth partnership with other associated departments, including finance, IT, and procurement. The role includes oversight of lab CAPEX, including space planning approval, and serves as an escalation point for Lab Operations issues brought up by other members of the team or lab users. The Site Lead will evaluate and ensure the implementation of appropriate procedures and protocols, and play a key role in supporting the Head of Mariana Oncology Operations in the overall strategy of Site Operations. Additionally, the role ensures Lab Operations interfaces effectively with partner groups such as Facilities, HSE, IT, and others. The Site Lead is accountable for Operational compliance and alignment with broader Novartis procedures, including shipping compliance and biosample management, ensuring Novartis procedures and compliance checks are implemented and utilized appropriately. The role also serves as an escalation point for operational compliance questions and involves participation in other lab-facing projects such as Electronic Lab Notebook management and lab data management. Finally, the Site Lead is responsible for ensuring efficient and appropriate communication with stakeholder groups such as research teams and HSE.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or above in relevant discipline with experience performing bench science, preferably in a biotech or pharma setting
8-10+ years’ experience in operations within a lab setting
Exhibit extraordinary communication skills, with the ability to communicate orally and in writing to all audiences
Strong organizational skills
Expert leader, facilitator, and organizer in emergency situations
Be calm under pressure, thoughtful and respectful when challenged, be empathetic, consistent, and caring, and be able to compartmentalize that from your judgment and decision-making
Detail oriented
Ability to work independently and drive projects forward
Excellent verbal and written communication
Ability to solve problems in creative and effective ways
Ability to interface with a variety of stakeholders (researchers, management, etc.) to reach consensus for solving issues that arise.
Strong judgement and prioritization skills
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PPT)

Responsibilities

Accountability for overall Lab Operations strategy & execution and Operational Compliance across Mariana sites
Responsible for operational oversight at 100 Forge Rd site and expansion site
Manage a team of Lab Operations Manager(s)
Establish continuity of operations between sites and drive alignment with Novartis sites where appropriate
Responsible for development and maintenance of Lab Operations budget
Lead lab vendor program strategy in consultation with Lab Managers and Research team members
Ensure smooth partnership with other associated departments, including finance, IT and procurement
Oversight of lab CAPEX, including space planning approval
Serve as escalation point for Lab Operations issues brought up by other members of the team or lab users
Evaluate and ensure implementation of appropriate procedures and protocols
Play a key role in supporting the Head of Mariana Oncology Operations in overall strategy of Site Operations
Responsible for ensuring Lab Operations interfaces effectively with partner groups such as Facilities, HSE, IT and others
Accountable for Operational compliance and alignment with broader Novartis procedures, including Shipping compliance, biosample management, etc.
Ensure Novartis procedures and compliance checks are implemented and utilized appropriately
Serve as escalation point for operational compliance questions
Involvement in other lab-facing projects including Electronic Lab Notebook management, lab data management, etc. as appropriate
Responsible for ensuring efficient and appropriate communication with stakeholder groups such as research teams, HSE, etc.